Hi friends!
Anything I put on my lips these days has got to be comfortable – especially going into Fall/Winter – so I find colored lip balms or sheer balmy lipsticks my real sweet spot. So when I found a Kosas Lipfuel Hyaluronic Lip Balm in a recent bag gift bag I received (it was from a beauty conference I attended), I was very excited to start testing it out for you guys. I’ve been doing just that for the past few weeks, and I definitely have some thoughts on this little guy. In today’s post I’ll take you through what I see are the pro’s and con’s, and then I’ll share whether I think you should snatch this up or just skip it.
I did a very similar post a while back talking about the Glossier Hand Cream – check that out here if you’re interested!
Now let’s get into it!
THE DEETS ON THE KOSAS LIPFUEL HYALURONIC LIP BALM
- $18.00 available in 3 shades
What it is: An ultra-hydrating lip balm loaded with ingredients that improve lips‘ condition.
Highlighted Ingredients:
– Ultra-Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts water and locks in hydration.
– Energizing Wild Mint: Provides a stimulating scent known to help support energy and focus.
– Protective Konjac Root: Acts as an environmental barrier.Ingredient Callouts: This product is cruelty-free and gluten-free, and comes in recyclable packaging.
What Else You Need to Know: This lip balm is like active skincare for your lips. It is formulated with konjac root and hyaluronic acid, which work together as a hydrating and protecting formula for healthier-, plumper-looking lips.
THE PROS
HYDRATION / COMFORT
When it comes to a lip balm, this has to be the important element to get right and Kosas has done a great job here. From first swipe you really feel a delightful creaminess; like there’s a cushy barrier between your lips and the outside world. As long as the product stays on your lips (which is really only until your next meal as this doesn’t claim to be long-lasting in the slightest) you will feel this creaminess when you rub your lips together. Bravo!
MINTY SCENT
I really like this addition. Normally peppermint oil is added to a lot of plumping lip products, but there doesn’t claim to be any plumping qualities here. Apparently they added mint for its “stimulating effects.” Hmm, I think that’s some marketing crap but I love the scent all the same! It’s definitely on the subtle side, and it dissipates after initial application, but if you like your minty lip products you may love this feature.
KISS OF COLOR
The Kosas Lipfuel Hyaluronic Lip Balm comes in three shades: Baseline (clear), Rush (a cool pink), and Pulse, which is the shade I have. They call it a warm peach online, but I say it’s more of strawberry than peach. Personally I love the sheer, subtle color of this balm. It’s just enough pigment to give your lips a little life, but it’s in no way “done-looking.” I’ve thrown this on with a more polished look (as pictured below), but also with barely any other makeup on; it always looks great.
Read this: The three most loved lipsticks in my collection right now
The Kosas Lipfuel Hyaluronic Lip Balm in the shade Pulse, a warm strawberry
Wearing the Kosas Lipfuel Hyaluronic Lip Balm in the shade Pulse on my lips
THE CONS
PACKAGING, PACKAGING, PACKAGING!
This is where this balm falters for me in a pretty big way. The bullet is not your standard circular or slanted bullet but instead an ellipse (think a really stretched out circle). I was told by the brand that it was designed like this to be able to get into the corners of your mouth, but honestly I just find it a pain to use. I have to apply it very slowly, otherwise I feel the wide applicator will slip outside my lip line. On top of that, my tube appears to be faulty. I can twist the product up but I can’t seem to twist it back down. So the balm itself has gotten all gnarly and broken from my attempts to stuff it back down in the tube. I’m still using it but this is a big bummer for me.
SNATCH OR SKIP??
Even though there are more pro’s than con’s, I still say SKIP and here’s why. On its own, I do think this is a really nice lip balm; love the color, and the texture. But when comparing it with other similar products, it’s not very unique. The packaging makes it unique and cool to look at and to hold, but in practicality the packaging is a big dud for me. I’d much prefer it if it had a more user-friendly circular or slanted bullet. If you’re looking for another option that’s very similar and much easier to use, try the iconic Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Balm; it comes in a larger array of colors and the formula is just as hydrating.
Have you tried the Kosas Lipfuel Hyaluronic Lip Balm? What’s your favorite lip balm? I’d love to know!
xo, and be well, Erica
PIN IT!
I always need a hydrating lip balm when it starts getting colder out. This sounds amazing, but the packaging would keep me from buying it, too. I don’t really like anything too big and bulky.
Yea, it’s a shame because the product is quite nice. I’m thinking of digging it out and putting it into a little plastic container – much easier to use then!
The colour is very nice but I can see why the packaging would be annoying. Maybe they’ll hear feedback and change it in the future 🙂
Love the color & texture, but just can’t deal with the packaging unfortunately. I think they got a little too caught up with making it look unique, and forgot about the practicality.
Function over form is way more important 🙂
Agreed!